Thursday, June 30, 2011

Today is the last day of my "Picture Color" assignment. I had so much fun with. Thinking of starting "Picture Summer" tommorow. Thanks to all my faithful readers for viewing these.

Today's prompt:

"Have you ever noticed how pretty colors look when they are all laid out together; like in a quilt, a mosaic or on paint chips? I love the way colors look when they are placed next to other colors. When creating something like a mosaic of any kind, you have the choice of what to put where. And as you experiment and play with the way colors interact with one another, you see that no two people would ever do something like it in the same way; there are so many options!

As we wrap up Picture Color, let's go out with a celebratory bang! Today, use your imagination and think of a way to mix and match colors together. You can just simply make a mosaic of the shots you've taken this month, you can think of it as your own personal color project and shoot more images for today's prompt, it's really up to you. Feel free to get crafty with this one. Print out pictures, cut out squares or shapes, and piece them together with other colorful shots.

Or if you're feeling really crafty, what about trying one of these pinwheel options, shared by Wendy Smedley on the blog here at BPC. Instead of pretty paper, use a printed photo to make a photo pinwheel! Now, that's what I call a celebration!

And thank you so much for being a part of our colorful photo journey this month in Picture Color!"

A collage of all (well most) of my pics from this assignment. Just missing a few that wouldn't fit.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

"I'm not sure if there is any one subject that is more photographed than the sunset. The beauty is that no two are ever quite the same. Ever. Like each star or each snowflake. No two are alike. I love that!

Whether you're more of a sunrise person (rather than a sunset person), or you prefer the middle of the afternoon, today's the day to get out there and capture the color of the sky."

Three fun friends who posed (JUMPED) for me with the sun setting behind them.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

"We've been seeking out color all month long. My guess is that by now, you have discovered what your "happy" color might be. Today is the perfect day for an all-day color scavenger hunt. Let's seek out happy today!

Whether you decide on only one color or you are more open to a variety of happy, open your eyes and take your camera along for this photographic joyride."

Nice summer night, with friends and Skittles.

I also walked to the park where some former students were with their moms and dogs. Thought these were fun too:

Monday, June 27, 2011

"Sometimes when shooting colors, nothing is more effective than manipulating them. Toning down bright colors can give your image a totally different feel. Using vintage effects can be not only fun, but creatively effective.

Today, tweak your color to retro! There's no one way to do vintage so the choice is yours. Just shoot your subject matter with your vintage approach in mind. Knowing how you want a photo to feel in the end might help you shoot for that feel which will make your shot and intention that much more deliberate."

This is an old country store in Wayne, IL. It is no longer open, but I love the look of it. Every time I drive by it, I love the old time feeling it gives off, and wonder what it would have been like to shop there long ago.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

I" just couldn't do a month long class about color without including the concept of whimsy! This playful park bench was the perfect example when it comes to the definition of being an "excessively playful expression". Some synonyms for whimsy include fanciful, quaintness, and eccentricity. That being said, without color, I'm not sure whimsy could even exist!

Today seek out whimsical color!"

My pic:

This whimsical Boyds Bear basket sitter is always watching me (through her sunglasses) perched high a top her Longaberger strawberrry basket.

Other pics I took for this:

﻿

This bear is called Clark Addison. Wrigley Field is on the corner of Clark and Addison and this is the original name my husband wanted to name #5. Obviously I won!

Paws from a Boyds Bear made just for Longaberger

Same basket sitter, just a different angle. I like the way she is looking up through her sunglasses.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

"From bronze to silver to gold (and everything in between), metallic "color" surrounds us every day. Whether it's shiny or brushed, polished or patina, looking at metallic surfaces gives us a whole new way to study color.

Today, experiment with the reflective or sparkly qualities of metal bling or the texture and tone of dull metal. Coax out the color and beauty of your subject today."

The Corvette Show has been in St. Charles, Il since Thursday. Got lucky when I saw this one!

I did take over 150 pics today for this prompt. I went to Dick's Sporting Goods, the Home Goods Store, Von Maur and even pulled over to get the pics of the old anchor and chain at the "Little Country Store" in Wayne (that is now closed). Here are few ot them:

Thursday, June 23, 2011

"There are some colors used in common phrases or sayings, like being "tickled pink" or "going green". Colors can also be symbols or signs of something. Red means stop, yellow means yield. When a certain color and a particular object are paired up, they can also carry a specific meaning like a black cat or a white picket fence for example.

Today's prompt is a little more conceptual as you will be coming up with an idea or image where your color choice means something. Put your thinking cap on and get creative!"

These colors mean the most!

This pic is of the BEST blueberry muffins ever. My very good friend has a baking business and they are almost as amazing as she is. Thanks RR for letting me visit and for the muffins and the other fresh berries.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

"Because so much about the Picture Series is about the community support, encouragement and inspiration, we've added an extra gallery to the Picture classrooms called "Inspired By". Today's prompt is to capture an image as an ode to another photographer.

When it comes to color, no two people see it quite the same way. Each photographer sees and frames color in a unique way. Find a color-specific image from another photographer (in the galleries in the classroom or elsewhere) and use it as a creative springboard today."

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

"Shooting in low light-specifically shooting indoors and at night with no flash-can be a challenge. Because I am not a huge fan of using my flash (I only use it when I have to) I have learned a few tricks that help me create the kind of images I want to capture.

Today, you will take the indoor, low-light challenge. Why? Because I want you to celebrate the color of ambient light.

Ambient light is the surrounding light within an environment. Capturing ambient light in your images usually gives them a golden, yellow color cast. This can be frustrating when you're not after the yellow glow but can be gorgeous when you do want it! And today, I want you to capture the golden ambient light found in your environment!"

﻿

"I am not really a beer drinker, but there is something about the amber, yellow color of it with all it's bubbles too in the glass on my amberish colored quartz countertops. I then proceeded to make beer bread with it."

Monday, June 20, 2011

"Sometimes the combination of color and texture can make a shot that much more interesting. Although that is certainly the case with things like bold fabric designs, it can be as simple as adding some kind of actual curve, groove or line into the subject.

Today, seek out solid colors that are more interesting because of the texture that they hold. Even more than a study of color today, consider this a study in the surface of your subject matter and how that softness, roughness, corrugation, or subtle ripples affects its color."

My pic:

My purse. Wasn't sure about it when I purchased it, but love it and love the color and texture and get lots of compliments.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Got a little behind this weekend with photo project being that we were at a baseball tournament.

Day 18, What's your Shade:

Prompt:

"Many of us begin our day by applying some kind of color shade to our own personal palette. From blush, to eye shadow to lipstick, color is everything when it comes to our make-up, hair, and accessory choices.

Today, share a little something from your "beauty regime". Can you tell a small story of you by framing a shade or tint that you might consider your signature color?"

New favorite nail color with new pink phone csse. Loving pink lately.

Day 19, The Color of Calm:

Prompt:

"Perhaps one of my favorite elements of photography is what I call the option of selective framing. What I mean by that is the ability to use the lens to only frame a small vignette of the big picture. If there is chaos all around us (dirty dishes, barking dogs, bickering children) we can use our cameras to move around all that and only show what we choose to show.

For me, even when much of my home is in desperate need of a tidy-up, I can still find something somewhere to shoot; something that helps me take the deep breath I need so much.

Today is about finding that deep breath through your lens. Focus on subject matter as well as the colors that calm you down and help you exhale."

This was taken yesterday at St. Joesph College in Indiana where our baseball torunament was. It is a grotto commenerating the original shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. Very pretty grounds on the campus.

Friday, June 17, 2011

"Using direct sunlight as a photographic tool can yield perhaps the most beautifully unpredictable results. Shooting into the sun can cause seemingly random sunspots and inconsistent flare and even more, it can really throw your exposure off. All of these things mean the shifts and range of color that can happen from one shot to the next can vary greatly. Shooting into the sun (to get the kind of shot you are after) takes some practice.

Today, it's your job to shoot into the sun (or close to it). The object with this prompt is to discover the variety of color that you can capture. Sometimes you can even capture a rainbow effect in a sun ring. There's just no telling until you experiment! Take the time to shoot a number of different angles with the sun in a variety of places and study each shot, observe all the unexpected elements and colors that appear like magic in your images.

Share today, the color of light, just how you see it."

"Ok, again I'm out of town at a baseball tournament with not much inspiration for this today. This is taken straight up from my seat sitting directly behind home plate behind the netting. It was a beatufiul day for a ball game!"

Thursday, June 16, 2011

"Everyone knows I love the color blue. Pale, navy, midnight, teal it makes no difference. I enjoy each shade of blue as much as the next. Blue can either stimulate my senses or soothe my soul all with slight changes in hue or tone.

Seek out your favorite blue today and capture an image that expresses how it makes you feel. Is it bright and bold or light and breezy? The call is yours! Let's see your blue sky, whether it's the sky or something altogether different."

﻿

I seem to find myself with more than one photo for these, but this one had to have two. This is the front and back of my son's baseball jersey. There is nothing more I love than to see him in it, on the field playing second base. Baseball is his passion and wathcing him is mine.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

"It's already day 15 of Picture Color! We've reached our halfway point, what better time to take a playful pause?

There's nothing more colorful than childhood so today I'm encouraging you to invite your inner child out to play. Get playful, summons the silly, find the fun; either seek out something "childish" or go out and treat yourself to a little something that brings out the kid in you.

Whether it's a set of jacks with a bright red ball, neon silly bands or a rainbow colored kite, today is a play day. Get out there and capture it!"

This is who/what I automatically thought of for today's assignment, Maggie:

﻿I titled mine "Playful Paws"

Nothing like a playful puppy. This is my best friends dog, Maggie. This is her clapping with her son. She is a miniature Maltese.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

"Each day, with each item we use, each purchase we make, there are choices. Price, style, color all play into how we decide what to buy, what to wear, how to decorate. Today's color study will open your eyes to your choices and discover what colors you are drawn to.

First step: Observe your life today in a big picture way. Notice any consistent or common threads in what you've chosen to surround yourself with? Anything from kitchen appliances to shoes to coffee mugs to your bathrobe can all be part of your own color statement choices.

Second step: Decide which of these things best communicates your color statement. Maybe it's the accent color you've discovered that runs throughout your home or closet. Or maybe it's one single item (your phone case, sofa or jacket) that makes your statement. Whatever it is, capture it in a way that says something about you!

Note: I often let practicality influence my choices. I think many of us do. What will work best with everything else? What color is the most versatile? Is it something I'll really use? These filters are necessary sometimes but I can safely say that the things I've acquired out of love alone, are things I rarely regret. Sometimes color alone can be our guide. This prompt can help you seek out the colors that just plain make you happy"

﻿This is my summer statement. Same flip flops in different colors. I live in these all summer and they keep the tan lines uniform. (More pics of my green toes too.)

Monday, June 13, 2011

"Today let's honor ordinary color; the kind of color that we experience each day with the seemingly most mundane things in our lives. Look to the objects or items we might take for granted. Seek out the things that are always around, no matter what, and use your lens to give them a nod of thanks.Find and capture an ordinary color that tickles your fancy. I know for me, finding these two pencils together gave me a completely new appreciation for these simple everyday tools and their very distinct and recognizable yellow. I'll be eager to see what you discover.

Note: Since seeing the world with new eyes means beginning to not only see, but to better appreciate all of what surrounds you, this prompt can really help hone your vision and improve your outlook. Honoring the ordinary, in living color, brings our attention and our focus to all the magic that is right in front of us every day. Today, don't take a single color for granted."

Saturday, June 11, 2011

"Red and pink have always felt like an odd couple to me. I can recall quite vividly growing up and not understanding the Valentine's Day designs where red and pink played together. I just didn't get it. Until, one day, I changed my mind.

Now, I see the charm and delight that red and pink bring when they are together. I'm not sure what made me changed my mind, but red and pink remind me of love and sweetness. I consider red a bold, statement color, shouting from the mountain tops and yet pairing it with pink takes the edge off and brings out its best. That's the way I see it anyway. The best of both worlds.

Do you see the charm of red and pink together? Can you find a way they play off of one another? It's your job to seek it out today."

I was gone all day. I got a few pics, but then I came home and remembered my new sign.

Friday, June 10, 2011

"We all know how to create something colorful. We all have colors of choice and the tools we use to create them. But what about the tools themselves? What color is your parachute? What gear do you use as a way to inspire, create, capture and paint your world the colors you love?

Feature the implements today, and the colors they carry as a way of honoring your process and the tools of your trade."

This one was a little difficult because I use so many things to create. But then I realized that these photos are mostly what I use. And what inspires me.

These are my tools:me and my camera, my computer and the subject of what I create most.Photos of my son; usually playing baseball and creating pages for his scrapbook.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

"Color alone doesn't make the photo. There is light, shape and texture that can all elevate your shot from flat to fabulous!

With today's prompt, you are encouraged to discover and study texture. There's no right or wrong way to capture the textures that intrigue you. Just remember to experiment and explore different ways to shoot it. Texture can be a fantastic tool in photo making."

My submission:

Love the satin finish on this purse, the texture of the rosettes and the texture of the window screen with the rain on it from this morning's storms.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

"Sometimes, you don't really notice all the color around you. And other times, you just can't miss it! Noticing and appreciating color often depends on where that color is and what it's surrounded by. Today you will search for that punch of color that cannot be denied.

Look around you today and watch for the punctuation mark of a color that inspires and delights your eyes."

My pic, which today I had ALOT more choices:

Amethyst basking in the sun

1st runner up; my grandmother's amethyst that I am wanting to make a ring out of.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

"Have you ever noticed how much color there is in the kitchen? Whether it's cooking utensils and appliances, labels or the food itself, the kitchen can be a playground of color. Don't let kids have all the fun with popsicles and rainbow sprinkles…allow yourself to partake in all the delectable treats that bring the yummy to your tummy!

What's the yummiest thing in your kitchen (color-wise)?"

Did not like this one for some reason. So here is my submission. Made smore bars for #5 to take to his high school baseball dinner:

Monday, June 6, 2011

"Ironically enough, as I was seeking color for Picture Color, I began a ; love affair with white. I not only love the idea of a crisp white shirt, a clean white canvas, dreamy white sheets, billowy white clouds, I am drawn to it all. But white can be tricky to capture effectively in a photo, especially when it's sharing the frame with another color. The darker the second color, the harder it can be to expose your frame for the white and still get the details of the dark, or vice versa."

Sunday, June 5, 2011

"Our choice of color often mirrors how we feel. Some colors lift out spirits while others soothe them. When it comes to comfort, I totally have a color. It's blue. As in blue jeans; my uniform of choice.

What about you? Is there a color that harkens comfort to you? What would you consider your go-to color of comfort?"

My submission, my morning coffee (with the reflection of my camera):

May not be so colorful, but my morning coffee always brings me comfort.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

I have to say, some of these are alot easier than others. I had two pics right away.

Here was the prompt with a pic of a multi-color paper lantern.

"June is a month of celebration - of birthdays, dreams of summer, and long fun-filled days. Of country fairs, carrousels and fireworks! Bright vibrant objects, signs and details are bursting with the colors of the season. Find something today that offers a kind of Technicolor merriment

Go bold, go bright, and go beautiful today with a burst of color at its most boastful!"

Here is my submission and my runner up:

My favorite pendant in silver and different colored turquois. It's from Mexico (unfortuately I didn't go there to get it.). It goes with everything!

Friday, June 3, 2011

"One of the reasons I chose June for Picture Color is because it's the season where spring has sprung (or is springing at least) in much of the world. What better time to talk about, and seek out color? There is a certain, subtle way that color is born in nature. Although sometimes it seems like one day you wake up and there is color everywhere you look, in fact, it takes a lot of time for the growth and change to take place. As you observe the kind ofchange that turns one color to the next, look for a way to capture the transition, as one color is being revealed by another. Focusing on this magic will leave you in awe of the miracles happening all around us."

This one took me all day. The instructor's pic was of an emerging flower, ready to bloom. I went around the yard may times taking pics of my rose buds, peonies about to bloom, lavendar etc. and just couldn't choose any of those since mostly EVERYONE on the site did flowers.

Then I thought about a sunset, and kept waiting for the right moment to snap this:

Thursday, June 2, 2011

"Day in and day out we experience (both seeing and using) iconic brand names and the colors that communicate those brands. We all know that certain colors communicate specific emotion but what about brands? Today, amidst your daily routine, observe all the many colors that go hand in hand with something you'd consider iconic. Although we are exposed to them every day, we rarely even think about it. Let's see a color that is iconic in your life."

I thought this would be harder than it was and thought it would take me all day. Than as I looked around the house, I found ALOT to photograph. The instructor's example was a Coca Cola can. Being that my husband worked for Coca Cola for many years, we have lot of that stuff around, but knew I couldn't use that. So, I took four pics, put them in a collage (on Picnik) and submitted this:

Can't get more iconic than the flag. I pass the Cubs sign every day while entering the house through the garage. Baseballs,EVERYWHERE in our house and the local paper.

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About Me

This is the story of me. Hope I can keep up. I'm a wife and mother of one child (teenager, help me now!) I'm hoping this will be another way to express myself creatively. I think I am a creative person and am always looking for new ideas. I currently scrapbook and now I am really interested in photography. Hope to get feedback on my photos I post.